WO2012108235A1 - Plasma generator, cleaning and purifying device using the plasma generator, and small-sized electrical apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A plasma generator (1) is provided with: a liquid containing part (4) which contains a liquid that contains water; a gas containing part (5) which contains a gas; a partition wall part (3) which is provided with a gas channel (3a) that guides the gas in the gas containing part (5) to the liquid containing part (4) and which separates the liquid containing part (4) from the gas containing part (5); a first electrode (12) which is arranged in the gas containing part (5); and a second electrode (13) which is arranged such that at least a part thereof forming a pair with the first electrode (12) is in contact with a liquid (17) in the liquid containing part (4). A predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode (12) and the second electrode (13), while having the second electrode (13) in a grounded state.

Description

PLASMA GENERATING DEVICE, CLEANING AND PURIFICATION DEVICE USING THE PLASMA GENERATING DEVICE, AND SMALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

The present invention relates to a plasma generation device, a cleaning and purification device using the plasma generation device, and a small-sized appliance.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known one in which bubbles or the like are generated in a bubble by discharging in a solution containing the bubble to reform the liquid (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2001-9463

However, in the above prior art, no mention is made of the safety of the device.

Then, this invention aims at obtaining the plasma generator which can improve safety | security more, the cleaning purification apparatus using the said plasma generator, and a small-sized electric appliance.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a liquid storage unit for storing a liquid containing water, a gas storage unit for storing a gas, and a gas passage for guiding the gas in the gas storage unit to the liquid storage unit are formed. A partition that separates the liquid storage portion from the gas storage portion, a first electrode disposed in the gas storage portion, and a side separated from at least the first electrode. A second electrode disposed so as to contact the liquid in the liquid storage unit, and oxygen in a mode in which the gas of the gas storage unit is pressure-fed to the liquid storage unit through the gas passage; A predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the gas supply unit for supplying a gas to the gas storage unit, and the second electrode is grounded, and the first electrode and the first electrode are By introducing a discharge between the two electrodes, the gas is introduced into the gas storage unit And summarized in that it includes a plasma power supply unit for plasma gas that, the.

According to a second feature of the present invention, a plurality of the gas passages are formed in the partition wall.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first electrode is disposed so as to be approximately equidistant to the plurality of gas passages.

A fourth feature of the present invention is summarized as the first electrode is a single structure.

According to a fifth feature of the present invention, the first electrode, which is the one structural body, is closely disposed on the gas containing portion side of the partition wall.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first electrode is disposed on the central axis of the gas passage so as to face the gas passage.

A seventh feature of the present invention is a cleaning and purifying apparatus provided with the above-mentioned plasma generating apparatus.

An eighth feature of the present invention is summarized as a small-sized appliance including the plasma generator.

The gist of the ninth feature of the present invention is a small-sized electric appliance provided with the cleaning and purifying apparatus.

According to the plasma generating apparatus in accordance with the present invention, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the second electrode is grounded. Therefore, even if the user or the like accidentally touches the liquid or the second electrode, the user or the like can be prevented from receiving an electric shock. That is, according to the plasma generator concerning this invention, safety can be raised more.

Further, by providing the above-described plasma generator to the cleaning and purifying apparatus and the small-sized appliance, the cleaning and purifying apparatus and the small-sized appliance can be obtained which can further improve the safety.

It is a figure including a partial section showing typically the composition of the plasma generator concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which shows the voltage value applied to the 1st electrode and 2nd electrode of the plasma generator concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows typically one state for demonstrating operation | movement of the plasma generator concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows the state after the state shown in FIG. 3 typically. It is a figure including a partial section showing typically the composition of the plasma generation device concerning the 1st modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure including a partial section showing typically the composition of the plasma generation device concerning the 2nd modification of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure including the partial cross section which shows typically the structure of the plasma generator concerning the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the arrangement | positioning relationship between the partition part concerning the 4th modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a 1st electrode. It is a figure including the partial cross section which shows typically the structure of the plasma generator concerning the 5th modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the back view which saw the partition part of the plasma generator concerning the 5th modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention from the gas supply part side. It is a figure including the partial cross section which shows typically the structure of the plasma generator concerning the 6th modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the specific example of the small sized electric equipment provided with the plasma generator concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view of the small sized electric equipment shown in FIG. It is a figure including the partial section which shows the plasma generator concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention typically. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is a figure including a partial section showing typically the composition of the cleaning purification device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the small sized electric equipment concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same component is contained in several following embodiments. Therefore, in the following, those similar components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

First Embodiment
The plasma generator 1 according to the present embodiment includes a substantially cylindrical case member 2. The shape of the case member is not limited to the cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, a ceramic member 3 is disposed inside the case member 2, and the internal space of the case member 2 is vertically divided by the ceramic member 3.

In the present embodiment, the upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is the liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid containing water (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the lower side. The region is a gas storage unit 5 for storing gas.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ceramic member 3 corresponds to a partition that separates the liquid storage portion 4 and the gas storage portion 5.

Further, a gas introduction port 9 is provided at the lower part of the side wall 2b of the case member 2 for communicating the gas storage portion 5 with the outside, and a pipe (gas introduction path) 10 is inserted through the gas introduction port 9 ing. The gas storage unit 5 and the gas supply unit 11 are connected via the pipe 10. In the present embodiment, a gas containing at least oxygen (O 2) is supplied from the gas supply unit 11 into the gas storage unit 5.

Furthermore, a gas passage 3 a is formed in the ceramic member 3, and the gas or the like introduced into the gas storage unit 5 from the gas supply unit 11 is sent out into the liquid storage unit 4 through the gas passage 3 a. Become.

As described above, the gas supply unit 11 according to the present embodiment supplies the gas containing at least oxygen to the gas storage unit 5 in a mode in which the gas of the gas storage unit 5 is pressure-fed to the liquid storage unit 4 via the gas passage 3a. Have a function to

In the present embodiment, the hole diameter of the gas passage 3a is about 1 μm to 10 μm, so that the liquid 17 contained in the liquid container 4 does not leak from the gas passage 3a into the gas container 5. ing.

In addition, the plasma generation device 1 is separated from the first electrode 12 disposed in the gas storage unit 5 and the first electrode 12, and at least a portion on the side to be paired with the first electrode 12 (first electrode 12 And a second electrode 13 disposed to come into contact with the liquid 17 in the liquid storage unit 4).

Specifically, the substantially spherical first electrode 12 and the substantially spherical second electrode 13 are respectively disposed in the gas storage unit 5 and the liquid storage unit 4.

The substantially spherical first electrode 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the gas passage 3 a in the gas containing portion 5 of the ceramic member 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The surface of the first electrode 12 is covered with a dielectric (not shown).

In addition, the second electrode 13 is in contact with the liquid 17 in the liquid storage portion 4 so that at least a portion on the side to be paired with the first electrode 12 (surface that causes a discharge to occur between the first electrode 12 and the surface). In the liquid storage unit 4. The second electrode 13 is disposed at an end of the liquid storage unit 4 on the side of the case member 2.

The first electrode 12 is disposed in the gas storage unit 5 so that the first electrode 12 does not contact the liquid 17 introduced into the liquid storage unit 4.

On the other hand, by arranging the second electrode 13 in the liquid storage portion 4, a portion on the side to be paired with at least the first electrode 12 of the second electrode 13 (discharge with the surface of the first electrode 12 occurs Surface) is in contact with the liquid 17 introduced into the liquid storage unit 4.

The first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 are electrically connected to the plasma power supply unit 15 (see FIG. 1) through the lead wires 14, respectively. The first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 A predetermined voltage is applied in the meantime.

Here, in the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 in a state where the second electrode 13 is grounded.

Next, the operation of the above-described plasma generator 1 and the method of generating hydroxy radicals will be described.

First, a gas containing oxygen is supplied to the gas storage unit 5 in a mode in which the gas of the gas storage unit 5 is pressure-fed to the liquid storage unit 4 through the gas passage 3a (a step of supplying the gas).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a gas containing oxygen based on air (flow rate of about 0.01 L / min to 1.0 L / min (10 cc / min to 1000 cc / min)) 11 is fed to the gas storage unit 5 through the pipe 10. At this time, the pressure for feeding the gas is about 0.0098 MPa to 0.49 MPa (0.1 kgf / cm 2 to 5 kgf / cm 2).

Thus, the gas supply unit 11 has a function of supplying a gas (air) in the atmosphere. The gas supply flow rate is controlled by a flow rate control unit (not shown) provided in the gas supply unit 11. In addition, the gas supply unit 11 has a function capable of supplying not only gases in the atmosphere but also other types of gases (for example, gases having different oxygen concentrations), and an air type control unit is provided. One or more kinds of gases may be selectively supplied.

The pressure of the gas storage unit 5 is approximately 0.11 MPa to 0.59 MPa (1.1 kgf / cm2 to 6 kgf / cm2) because the pressure of the gas storage unit 5 is approximately atmospheric pressure. And become positive pressure. As described above, by setting the gas storage unit 5 to a positive pressure, a flow of gas from the gas storage unit 5 to the liquid storage unit 4 via the gas passage 3 a is formed. The positive pressure of the gas storage unit 5 also suppresses leakage of the liquid 17 stored in the liquid storage unit 4 from the gas passage 3 a into the gas storage unit 5.

Then, as described above, by supplying the gas containing oxygen, as shown in FIG. 3, fine bubbles containing oxygen at the opening end 3 c of the liquid storage unit 4 side (upper side of FIG. 1) of the gas passage 3 a 16 grow (step of growing bubbles).

Next, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 by the plasma power supply unit 15. The voltage to be applied is preferably a voltage (power: about 10 W to about 100 W) that enables glow discharge under atmospheric pressure. At this time, it is preferable to provide a voltage control unit in the plasma power supply unit 15 so as to control a voltage applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13.

Then, by applying a predetermined voltage to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13, a gas atmosphere having a pressure equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13. Discharge occurs. In addition, about the technique which produces | generates a plasma under atmospheric pressure, it is reported, for example to literature A (Sachiko Okazaki, "atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma and its application", review lecture: 20th JSPFAnual Meeting).

And, by this discharge (discharge between the surface of the first electrode 12 in contact with the gas and the surface of the second electrode 13 in contact with the liquid), plasma is generated in the region of the gas in the liquid 17 of the liquid container 4 As a result, ozone, hydroxy radicals and the like are generated by oxygen contained in water and gas contained in the liquid (step of producing hydroxy radicals).

In the present embodiment, a plasma is generated by generating a potential difference in the gas in the bubble 16 (the gas in the vicinity of the gas-liquid interface in the liquid 17 of the liquid storage unit 4). As described above, by generating a potential difference in the vicinity of the gas-liquid interface where the hydroxyl radical is likely to be generated (near the open end 3c of the gas passage 3a facing the liquid 17), more ozone, hydroxy radical, etc. can be generated become. In the present embodiment, not only the bubbles 16 in the vicinity of the open end 3c of the gas passage 3a facing the liquid 17 but also the bubbles 16 delivered to the liquid storage unit 4 can generate ozone, hydroxy radicals and the like.

The ozone, the hydroxy radical and the like generated in this manner are sent to the liquid storage unit 4 along with the flow of the gas described above.

In the present embodiment, the bubbles 16 containing hydroxy radicals and the like are sheared from the ceramic member (partition wall) 3 and released into the liquid 17 by the flow of the liquid 17 in the liquid container 4 (bubble releasing step) .

Specifically, in the liquid storage unit 4 in which the bubbles 16 grow, the flow of the liquid 17 (see the arrow 18 in FIGS. 3 and 4) is generated by the introduction of the liquid 17. As shown in FIG. 4, when the liquid 17 flowing in the direction of the arrow 18 hits the growing bubble 16, the flow of the liquid 17 acts on the bubble 16 as a shear force, and the bubble 16 is released from the open end 3c into the liquid 17.

Since the bubbles 16 released into the liquid 17 are fine bubbles, they are diffused to the corners of the liquid 17 without being immediately released into the atmosphere. Then, a part of the diffused fine bubbles 16 is easily dissolved in the liquid 17. At this time, the ozone contained in the bubble 16 dissolves in the liquid 17, so that the ozone concentration of the liquid is rapidly increased.

In addition, according to Document B (Masayoshi Takahashi, “Improvement of the water environment by microbubbles and nanobubbles”, Aquanet, 2004.6), the fine bubbles 16 containing ozone and various radicals are usually negatively charged. It is reported that there are many cases. Therefore, the other part of the bubble 16 is easily adsorbed to the organic matter, fat and oil, dye, protein, bacteria, etc. (not shown) contained in the liquid 17. The organic matter or the like in the liquid 17 is decomposed by ozone or various radicals dissolved in the liquid 17, ozone contained in the bubbles 16 adsorbed on the organic matter or the like, or various radicals or the like.

For example, hydroxy radicals and the like have relatively large energy of about 120 kcal / mol. This energy is a nitrogen atom-nitrogen atom double bond (N = N), a carbon atom-carbon atom double bond (C = C), or a carbon atom-nitrogen atom double bond (C = N) Etc. (̃100 kcal / mol). Therefore, the organic substance or the like composed of a bond such as nitrogen or carbon is easily broken and decomposed by the hydroxy radical or the like. Such ozone and hydroxy radicals which contribute to the decomposition of organic substances and the like are not persistent such as chlorine and disappear with time, so they are also environmentally friendly substances.

As described above, in the plasma generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the first electrode 12 is disposed in the gas storage unit 5, and the second electrode 13 is at least paired with the first electrode 12. (The surface that generates a discharge with the surface of the first electrode 12) is disposed in contact with the liquid in the liquid storage unit 4.

Then, by generating a discharge between the surface of the first electrode 12 in contact with the gas and the surface of the second electrode 13 in contact with the liquid, plasma is generated in the region of the gas in the liquid 17 in the liquid container 4. It is made to produce | generate a hydroxy radical from the oxygen contained in the water and gas which are produced | generated and contained in the liquid 17. As shown in FIG.

According to such a configuration, since the discharge can be generated between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 without being greatly affected by the electric resistance of the liquid 17, the gas can be converted into plasma more reliably. It becomes possible to produce ozone, radicals, etc. in large quantities more stably.

Further, in the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 in a state where the second electrode 13 is grounded. Therefore, even if the user or the like accidentally touches the liquid or the second electrode, the user or the like can be prevented from receiving an electric shock.

Thus, according to the plasma generator according to the present embodiment, the safety can be further enhanced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the liquid 17 is introduced into the liquid storage unit 4, and the first electrode 12 that generates plasma in the gas storage unit 5 defined by the ceramic member 3 is disposed. Therefore, the first electrode 12 does not contact the liquid 17 at all, and is not affected by the electric resistance of the liquid 17. Thereby, a discharge can be stably generated between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13, and the gas containing oxygen introduced into the gas storage unit 5 is surely plasmified, and water and oxygen are generated. Thus, ozone or hydroxy radicals can be stably generated.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the gas containing portion 5 is made positive pressure by introducing the gas containing oxygen into the gas containing portion 5, and the gas from the gas containing portion 5 to the liquid containing portion 4 via the gas passage 3 a Forming a flow. Then, ozone, hydroxy radicals and the like are generated in the bubbles 16 growing at the open end 3 c facing the liquid 17 of the gas passage 3 a in accordance with the flow of the gas.

That is, in the present embodiment, ozone, a hydroxy radical, and the like are generated in the gas in the bubble 16 (the gas near the gas-liquid interface in the liquid 17 of the liquid storage unit 4). Then, a gas containing ozone, a hydroxy radical or the like is diffused into the liquid 17 as fine bubbles 16. As a result, after ozone and various radicals are generated, the ozone and various radicals can be efficiently sent into the liquid 17 in a very short time before these disappear.

Then, the fine bubbles 16 containing ozone and various radicals diffuse into the liquid 17, whereby the ozone concentration of the liquid 17 is increased, and the bubbles 16 are adsorbed to the organic substance or the like contained in the liquid 17. Thus, organic matter, bacteria and the like can be efficiently decomposed by ozone dissolved in the liquid 17 and various radicals contained in the adsorbed bubbles 16.

In addition, if the plasma power supply unit 15 includes a voltage control unit that controls the voltage applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13, the liquid 17 may be interposed between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13. Therefore, the discharge can be stably generated regardless of the fluctuation of the electric resistance of the

In addition, if the gas supply unit 11 includes an air type control unit that controls the type of gas, it is possible to adjust the generation amount of ozone, hydroxy radical, and the like.

At this time, if the gas supply unit 11 has a function of supplying air in the atmosphere, the gas can be more easily supplied.

In addition, if the flow rate control unit controls the gas supply flow rate, plasma can be generated more stably.

Next, a modification of the plasma generation apparatus will be described.

(First modification)
The plasma generator 1A according to the present modification basically has the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generating apparatus 1A includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is vertically divided by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

Here, the point that the plasma generation device 1A according to the present modification is mainly different from the plasma generation device 1 of the first embodiment is that a plurality of gas passages 3a are formed in the partition 3 as shown in FIG. It is.

Although FIG. 5 shows that three gas passages 3a are formed in the partition wall 3, two or four or more gas passages 3a may be provided.

According to the above-described modification, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, according to the present modification, since a plurality of gas passages 3a are formed in the partition wall 3, it is possible to simultaneously generate bubbles at a plurality of locations (near the open end 3c facing the liquid 17 of the plurality of gas passages 3a). It is possible to increase the amount of plasma generation. As a result, ozone, radicals and the like can be generated in large quantities.

(2nd modification)
The plasma generator 1B according to this modification basically has the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generating apparatus 1B includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is vertically divided by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

Here, the difference of the plasma generator 1B according to the present modification from the plasma generator 1 of the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of gas passages 3a are formed in the partition 3 (this modification In this case, three) are formed, and one or more first electrodes (three in this modification) 12 are disposed.

Furthermore, in this modification, the three first electrodes 12 are arranged such that the distances D to the opening end of the gas passage 3a on the gas storage unit 5 side are substantially the same.

According to the above-described modification, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, according to the present modification, a plurality of gas passages 3a are formed in the partition wall 3, and one or more of the first electrodes 12 are disposed such that the distances D to the respective gas passages 3a are substantially the same. Therefore, voltages can be applied to a plurality of bubbles at a plurality of locations. That is, discharge can be generated in the vicinity of the open end 3c facing the liquid 17 of each gas passage 3a. As a result, the amount of plasma generation can be increased, and ozone, radicals, etc. can be generated in large quantities. Note that arranging the first electrode 12 so that the distances D to the respective gas passages 3a are substantially the same prevents the occurrence of discharge from being biased to any of the plurality of gas passages 3a. Can.

(Third modification)
The plasma generator 1C according to the present modification basically has the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generating apparatus 1C includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is vertically divided by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

Here, the point that the plasma generating apparatus 1C according to the present modification is mainly different from the plasma generating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above is that as shown in FIG. In this case, the three electrodes are formed, and the first electrode 12 which is one structural body is disposed.

Specifically, the first electrode 12 is formed as a substantially plate-like one structure, and the surface of the first electrode 12 faces the opening end of the gas passage 3a on the gas containing portion 5 side. It is arrange | positioned so that it may become substantially parallel. That is, also in the present modification, as in the second modification, the first electrode 12 is arranged such that the distances D to the opening end of the gas passage 3a on the gas storage unit 5 side are substantially the same. .

According to the above-described modification, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment and the second modification can be obtained.

Further, according to the present modification, since the first electrode 12 is a single structure, the manufacture becomes easy and the cost can be reduced.

(4th modification)
The plasma generator 1D according to the present modification has basically the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generation device 1D includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is vertically divided by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

Here, the difference of the plasma generator 1D according to the present modification from the plasma generator 1 of the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of gas passages 3a are formed in the partition 3 (this modification In this case, the three electrodes are formed, and the first electrode 12 which is one structural body is disposed.

Specifically, a spherical first electrode 12 which is a single structural body is disposed substantially at the center of the partition 3 having at least a part of a substantially spherical shell shape. As described above, by arranging the first electrode 12 substantially at the center of the substantially spherical shell shaped partition portion 3, the distance D from the first electrode 12 to the opening end on the gas containing portion 5 side of the gas passage 3a is substantially the same. It is supposed to be Even when the rod-like or spherical first electrode 12 is disposed along the central axis of the cylindrical partition 3, the distance from the first electrode 12 to the opening end of the gas passage 3 a on the gas containing portion 5 side The distance D can be made substantially the same.

The above-described modification can also provide the same operation and effect as the third modification.

(5th modification)
The plasma generator 1E according to the present modification basically has the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generating apparatus 1E includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is vertically divided by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

Here, the main difference between the plasma generator 1E according to the present modification and the plasma generator 1 of the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first electrode 12 which is one structural body. Is closely arranged on the gas containing portion 5 side of the partition 3.

Specifically, the electrode is plated on the side of the partition wall 3 on the gas containing portion 5 side, and then a deep counterbore hole is formed concentrically with the gas passage 3a at a portion corresponding to the gas passage 3a. Form 12 As described above, by making the deep counterbore concentric with the gas passage 3a, the distance D from the first electrode 12 to the opening end of the gas passage 3a on the gas containing portion 5 side is made substantially the same. .

In FIGS. 9 and 10, although the deep counterbore having a larger diameter than the gas passage 3a is illustrated, the deep counterbore having the same diameter as the gas passage 3a or smaller in diameter than the gas passage 3a is illustrated. Good.

It is also possible to form the gas passage 3a and the deep counterbore in a substantially truncated cone shape (taper shape).

According to the above-described modification, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Moreover, according to this modification, since the 1st electrode 12 which is one structure body is provided by formation of plating and a deep counterbore, the 1st electrode 12 can be manufactured easily.

In addition, by closely arranging the first electrode 12 which is one structural body on the side of the gas containing portion 5 of the partition wall portion 3, thinning of the device can be achieved.

(Sixth modification)
The plasma generator 1F according to the present modification basically has the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generating apparatus 1F includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is divided up and down by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

Here, the main difference between the plasma generator 1E according to the present modification and the plasma generator 1 of the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 11, the first electrode 12 is on the central axis of the gas passage 3a. And the gas passage 3a.

In addition, although the 1st electrode 12 and the gas passage 3a show one thing in FIG. 11, the 1st electrode 12 and the gas passage 3a may have more than one.

According to the above-described modification, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Moreover, according to this modification, since the first electrode 12 is disposed on the central axis of the gas passage 3a so as to face the gas passage 3a, it is possible to generate plasma in the shortest path. As a result, unnecessary electrodes can be reduced and cost can be reduced. In addition, by generating plasma in the shortest path, the distance from the first electrode 12 to the gas-liquid interface can be shortened, so that the voltage value (potential difference between the first and second electrodes) can be reduced. Can be reduced, and power saving of the device can be achieved.

Second Embodiment
In the present embodiment, an example of a small-sized appliance using the plasma generator 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Below, the cleaning purification apparatus which wash | cleans the head part of the electric shaver as a hair removal apparatus is illustrated.

A cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 as a small-sized appliance shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 is for cleaning the head portion (target to be cleaned) 51 of an electric razor 50 which is a kind of hair removing device.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, the cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 has a housing 41 having an opening 41a for inserting the electric razor 50 with the head 51 facing downward, and the head 51 inserted through the opening 41a. And a receiving tray 42.

The cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 further includes a tank 43 for storing liquid, an overflow portion 44 communicated with the receiving tray 42, and a pump 45 for circulating and supplying the liquid in the tank 43 to the liquid inlet 7. Furthermore, a cartridge 46 having a filter 46a for filtering the liquid, an on-off valve 47 for controlling the airtight state in the tank 43, and a circulation path for circulating the liquid are provided.

The circulation path includes a pipe (liquid introduction path) 21 for introducing the liquid stored in the tank 43 into the pan 42, a path 23 (discharge path) for guiding the liquid discharged from the pan 42 to the cartridge 46, and an overflow portion 44. And a path 25 for guiding the liquid discharged from the cartridge 46 to the pump 45, and a path 26 for guiding the liquid delivered from the pump 45 to the tank 43. There is. In addition, an open / close valve 47 is connected to the tank 43 via an airtight path 27. Each component will be described below.

The housing 41 has a stand portion 41b at its rear portion to be in contact with the grip portion 52 of the electric razor 50, and holds the electric razor 50 inserted from the opening 41a together with the receiving tray 42. As shown in FIG. 12, a contact member 41c for detecting that the electric razor 50 is attached to the cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 is provided on the front surface of the stand portion 41b. The contact member 41c detects the attachment of the electric shaver 50 by contact with the terminal 52a provided on the rear surface of the grip 52. Various control signals and drive powers are sent to the electric shaver 50 along with such detection function. Has a function to output

Above the front of the housing 41, a fan 48 for drying the head portion 51 after cleaning is accommodated. On the front surface of the housing 41, a ventilation window 41d for the fan 48, an operation button 41e for performing a cleaning operation, a lamp 41f for displaying an operation state, and the like are provided. The rear surface side of the housing 41 is a mounting portion for mounting the tank 43, and has connection ports 41g, 41h, 41i connected to the ports 43a, 43b, 43c of the tank 43. The connection port 41 g is connected to the pipe (liquid introduction path) 21, the connection port 41 h is connected to the path 26, and the connection port 41 i is connected to the airtight path 27.

The receiving tray 42 has a concave shape along the shape of the head portion 51, and a through hole 42b is formed in the bottom wall portion. And the plasma generator 1 is provided in the back side of a bottom wall part so that the liquid storage part 4 may connect with the interior space of the receiving tray 42 through the said through-hole 42b.

In the present embodiment, the plasma generating device 1 is provided such that the liquid storage unit 4 communicates with the internal space of the receiving tray 42, and the internal space of the receiving tray 42 also functions as the liquid storage unit 4 of the plasma generating device 1. There is. It is preferable that the liquid in the liquid storage unit 4 can be more smoothly discharged from the passage 23 (discharge passage) by forming, for example, a drainage groove or the like in the tray 42. In the present embodiment, a ring-shaped sealing material 6 for closing the gap between the case member 2 and the ceramic member 3 is mounted at the outer peripheral end of the liquid storage portion 4 of the plasma generator 1. The internal liquid 17 is prevented from leaking out into the gas storage portion 5 from the gap between the case member 2 and the ceramic member 3 (see FIG. 14).

In addition, a heater 49 is provided on the bottom wall rear side of the tray 42 (see FIG. 15). The heater 49 dries the head unit 51 in conjunction with the fan 48.

And the overflow part 44 is provided ahead of the saucer 42, and the saucer 42 and the overflow part 44 are integrally formed in this embodiment. The inlet of the overflow portion 44 is in communication with the receptacle 42 and the outlet is in communication with the passage 24. The path 24 leads from the outlet of the overflow portion 44 to the cartridge 46 through a relay port 42 a provided at the rear of the tray 42.

The tank 43 has a discharge port 43a, an inflow port 43b, and a vent 43c for opening the airtight state on the front surface, and the liquid discharge from the discharge port 43a is controlled by opening and closing the vent 43c. . The tank 43 is detachably provided on the rear surface side of the housing 41, and in the state of being attached to the housing 41, the discharge port 43a is connected to the connection port 41g, and the liquid stored in the tank 43 is piped (liquid introduction path) 21 Can be introduced into the saucer 42. Further, the inflow port 43b is connected to the connection port 41h and is connected to the delivery port 45a of the pump 45 by the path 26, and the vent 43c is connected to the connection port 41i and is connected to the on-off valve 47 by the airtight path 27. .

The cartridge 46 is a substantially box-like body in which the filter 46a is housed, and has an inlet 46b at the top and an outlet 46c at the front. The cartridge 46 is detachably provided at the lower rear of the housing 41, and in the case of the mounted body to the housing 41, the inflow port 46b is connected to the discharge port 41k by the path 23 (discharge path) It is connected to the outlet of the overflow portion 44 by 24. The outlet 46 c is connected to the suction port 45 b of the pump 45 by the path 25.

Next, the operation of the cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 will be described.

First, a liquid is introduced from the tank 43 into the pan 42 and the liquid storage unit 4 of the plasma generator 1 through the pipe (liquid introduction path) 21.

Then, a gas of a predetermined flow rate containing air as a base and containing oxygen is fed into the gas storage unit 5 from the gas supply unit 11 through the pipe (gas introduction passage) 10, and the gas storage unit 5 is brought into a positive pressure state. A flow of gas from the gas storage unit 5 to the liquid storage unit 4 via the gas passage 3a is formed.

Next, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 to generate a discharge between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13. By this discharge (discharge between the surface of the first electrode 12 in contact with the gas and the surface of the second electrode 13 in contact with the liquid), plasma is generated in the region of the gas in the liquid 17 of the liquid container 4 Ozone, hydroxy radicals and the like are generated by oxygen contained in water and gas contained in the liquid 17 (see FIG. 4).

And the produced | generated ozone and various radicals will be sent out in the liquid stored in the liquid accommodating part 4 and the receiving tray 42 with the flow of the gas mentioned above. At this time, the growing bubbles are released into the liquid from the open end 3c as the bubbles 16 miniaturized by the refining means, and the fine bubbles 16 released into the liquid diffuse to every corner of the liquid. That is, the generated cleaning liquid is supplied to the head unit 51 as the cleaning target unit 30. Then, the organic matter or the like attached to the head portion 51 can be efficiently decomposed by the ozone or the radical dissolved in the liquid (cleaning liquid), the ozone or the radical contained in the bubble 16 or the like.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning and purifying apparatus (small electric device) 40 includes the above-described plasma generator 1. That is, in the cleaning and purifying apparatus (small-sized appliance) 40 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 in a state where the second electrode 13 is grounded. . Therefore, even if the user or the like accidentally touches the liquid 17 or the second electrode 13, the user or the like can be prevented from receiving an electric shock. This is particularly effective when the second electrode 13 is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside as in the present embodiment.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, the small-sized electric appliance which can raise safety more can be obtained.

Further, even in the plasma generators 1A to 1F, it is possible to apply this embodiment.

Third Embodiment
In this embodiment, an example of a cleaning and purifying apparatus using a plasma generating apparatus will be described.

The cleaning and purifying apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment includes a plasma generating apparatus 1G as shown in FIG.

The plasma generator 1G basically has the same configuration as the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the plasma generating apparatus 1G includes the case member 2, and the space of the case member 2 is divided up and down by the ceramic member (partition wall portion) 3 disposed inside the case member 2.

The upper region of the ceramic member 3 in the internal space of the case member 2 is a liquid storage portion 4 for storing the liquid 17 containing water, and the lower region is a gas storage portion 5 for storing gas. It has become.

In addition, a ring-shaped sealing material 6 for closing the gap between the case member 2 and the ceramic member 3 is attached to the outer peripheral end of the liquid storage portion 4, and the liquid 17 in the liquid storage portion 4 is attached to the case member 2. It does not leak into the gas storage unit 5 from the gap with the ceramic member 3.

The plasma generating apparatus 1G according to the present embodiment has a liquid introduction port 7 for introducing the liquid 17 into the liquid storage 4 in the top wall 2a of the case member 2 (the wall on the liquid storage 4 side) 2a. The present embodiment is mainly different from the plasma generator 1 according to the first embodiment in that the liquid discharge port 8 for delivering the liquid 17 introduced into the liquid storage unit 4 to the outside is provided.

Then, in the cleaning and purifying apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, the liquid 17 whose processing has been completed is introduced from the object to be cleaned 30 into the liquid storage unit 4 into the liquid introduction port 7 of the case member 2 that accommodates the ceramic member 3. A pipe (liquid introduction path) 21 is connected. In addition, a pipe (liquid discharge path) 22 for sending the liquid in the liquid storage unit 4 to the to-be-cleaned processing unit 30 is connected to the liquid discharge port 8.

Next, the operation of the cleaning and purifying apparatus 20 described above will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 16, a gas of a predetermined flow rate containing air as a base and containing oxygen is fed from the gas supply unit 11 into the gas storage unit 5 through the pipe (gas introduction passage) 10. Then, the gas containing portion 5 is brought into a positive pressure state, and a flow of gas from the gas containing portion 5 to the liquid containing portion 4 via the gas passage 3 a is formed.

At this time, the liquid 17 whose processing has been completed from the to-be-cleaned processing unit 30 is introduced from the pipe (liquid introduction passage) 21 to the liquid storage unit 4 through the liquid introduction port 7.

Next, by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 with the second electrode 13 grounded, a discharge is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 . By this discharge (discharge between the surface of the first electrode 12 in contact with the gas and the surface of the second electrode 13 in contact with the liquid), plasma is generated in the region of the gas in the liquid 17 of the liquid container 4 Ozone, hydroxy radicals and the like are generated by oxygen contained in water and gas contained in the liquid 17 (see FIG. 4).

And the produced | generated ozone and various radicals will be sent out to the liquid accommodating part 4 with the flow of the gas mentioned above. At this time, the growing bubbles are sheared by the flow of the liquid 17 as described above, and are released as fine bubbles 16 from the open end 3c into the liquid.

The fine bubbles 16 released into the liquid diffuse to every corner of the liquid. At this time, a part of the diffused fine bubbles 16 is easily dissolved in the liquid 17 together with the ozone, the hydroxyl radical, etc. contained in the bubbles 16, and the ozone concentration rises. Further, some of the bubbles 16 easily adsorb to the organic matter or the like contained in the liquid 17 in the state of containing ozone, hydroxy radicals and the like. Furthermore, a minute organic substance is adsorbed to a part of the bubble 16.

Thus, the organic matter or the like in the liquid 17 is efficiently decomposed by ozone or radicals dissolved in the liquid 17, ozone or radicals contained in the bubbles 16 adsorbed on the organic matter or the like. Then, the liquid 17 in which the organic matter or the like is decomposed and purified is returned from the liquid discharge port 8 to the to-be-cleaned processing unit 30 through the pipe (liquid discharge path) 22 and used again.

In addition, although the thing of the usage aspect (usage aspect A) which wash | cleans and purifies the liquid 17 in the case member 2 was illustrated as the washing and purifying apparatus 20 above, it showed in addition to this, for example in the said 2nd Embodiment. As such, a mode of use (usage mode B) in which the liquid 17 in which fine air bubbles are diffused is supplied to a predetermined apparatus as a cleaning liquid is also possible.

In this case, the cleaning and purifying apparatus 20 operates as follows.

First, in the liquid 17 introduced into the case member 2, the fine bubbles 16 including ozone and hydroxy radicals are diffused, and the ozone and radicals contained in the fine bubbles 16 are dissolved. At this time, a minute organic substance is adsorbed to a part of the bubble 16.

Next, the liquid 17 is supplied to the portion to be cleaned 30 as a cleaning liquid. In the to-be-cleaned processing target unit 30, organic substances and the like are efficiently decomposed by ozone or radicals dissolved in the liquid 17 and ozone or radicals contained in the bubbles 16 adsorbed to the organic substances and the like.

When the cleaning and purifying apparatus is used as the usage mode A, for example, the cleaning and purifying apparatus can be applied to purification of various liquids such as hot water, rain water, sewage, and sewage stored in a bath. Moreover, when using it as the usage aspect B, it can be used as a washing | cleaning liquid, for example, in water used for various household appliances, such as a washing machine and a dishwasher, health household appliances, such as a mouthwashing machine, and sanitary devices, such as a toilet. In addition to home appliances and the like, the present invention can be widely applied to industries such as cleaning of food and cleaning in manufacturing processes of industrial products.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning and purifying apparatus 20 is provided with the above-described plasma generator 1G. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the cleaning and purifying apparatus 20 capable of further enhancing the safety.

Even in the plasma generators 1A to 1F, it is possible to apply this embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment
In this embodiment, an example of a small-sized appliance using the plasma generator 1G will be described with reference to FIG. Below, the cleaning purification apparatus which wash | cleans the head part of the electric shaver as a hair removal apparatus is illustrated.

The cleaning and purifying apparatus 40H as a small-sized appliance shown in FIG. 17 is for cleaning the head portion 51 of the electric shaver 50 which is a kind of hair removing device. That is, the cleaning and purifying apparatus 40H is a cleaning and purifying apparatus used as the usage mode B described above. In this case, the head 51 of the electric razor 50 corresponds to the cleaning target 30.

The cleaning and purifying apparatus 40H has substantially the same configuration as the cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 according to the second embodiment, and a case 41 having an opening 41a for inserting the electric razor 50 with the head portion 51 directed downward. And a receptacle 42 for receiving the head 51 inserted through the opening 41a (see FIG. 17).

The cleaning and purifying apparatus 40H further includes a tank 43 for storing liquid, an overflow portion 44 in communication with the receiving tray 42, and a pump 45 for circulating and supplying the liquid in the tank 43 to the liquid inlet 7. Furthermore, a cartridge 46 having a filter 46a for filtering the liquid, an on-off valve 47 for controlling the airtight state in the tank 43, and a circulation path for circulating the liquid are provided.

The circulation path includes a pipe (liquid introduction path) 21 for guiding the liquid stored in the tank 43 to the liquid inlet 7, and a pipe (liquid discharge path) 22 for receiving the liquid discharged from the liquid outlet 8 to the pan 42. The path 23 (discharge path) for guiding the liquid discharged from the tray 42 to the cartridge 46, the path 24 for guiding the liquid discharged from the overflow portion 44 to the cartridge 46, and the liquid discharged from the cartridge 46 to the pump 45 It comprises a path 25 and a path 26 for leading the liquid delivered from the pump 45 to the tank 43.

The receiving tray 42 has a concave shape along the shape of the head portion 51, and a plasma generator 1G is provided on the back surface side of the bottom wall portion. In addition, you may make it provide the position adjustment part which adjusts the position of the plasma generator 1G in the cleaning purification apparatus 40H. For example, an arm is provided on the back side of the bottom wall, and the plasma generator 1G is attached swingably by the arm so that the position generator can adjust so that the plasma generator 1G is disposed horizontally. It is possible. By so doing, it is possible to always arrange the plasma generator 1 G horizontally, and to generate plasma more stably.

The plasma generator 1 G has a liquid inlet 7 connected to a pipe (liquid introduction path) 21 and a liquid outlet 8 connected to a pipe (liquid discharge path) 22. The bottom wall of the tray 42 is provided with a supply port 41 j connected to the pipe (liquid discharge path) 22 and a discharge port 41 k connected to the path 23.

And the overflow part 44 is provided ahead of the saucer 42, and the saucer 42 and the overflow part 44 are integrally formed in this embodiment. The inlet of the overflow portion 44 is in communication with the receptacle 42 and the outlet is in communication with the passage 24. The path 24 leads from the outlet of the overflow portion 44 to the cartridge 46 through a relay port 42 a provided at the rear of the tray 42.

The tank 43 has a discharge port 43a, an inflow port 43b, and a vent 43c for opening the airtight state on the front surface, and the liquid discharge from the discharge port 43a is controlled by opening and closing the vent 43c. . The tank 43 is detachably provided on the rear surface side of the housing 41, and in the state of attachment to the housing 41, the discharge port 43a is connected to the connection port 41g, and the liquid (plasma introduction path) 21 of the plasma generator 1 It is connected to the inlet 7 and the inlet 43b is connected to the connection port 41h and connected to the delivery port 45a of the pump 45 by the path 26 and the vent 43c is connected to the connection port 41i and the on-off valve 47 by the airtight path 27. It is connected.

With this configuration, the cleaning liquid generated by diffusing the fine bubbles 16 containing ozone, hydroxy radicals, etc. into the liquid introduced from the tank 43 to the plasma generator 1 G is supplied from the supply port 41 j into the receptacle 42. It will be supplied. That is, the generated cleaning liquid is supplied to the head unit 51 as the cleaning target unit 30. Then, the organic matter or the like attached to the head portion 51 can be efficiently decomposed by the ozone or the radical dissolved in the liquid (cleaning liquid), the ozone or the radical contained in the bubble 16 or the like.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning and purifying apparatus (small electric device) 40H is provided with the above-described plasma generator 1G. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a small electronic device that can further enhance the safety.

In addition, if the position adjustment part which adjusts the position of the plasma generator 1G is provided in the cleaning and purifying apparatus (small electric device) 40H, the plasma can be further stabilized.

Further, it is also possible to make the shape of the case member 2 the shape of the plasma generator 1G and to be a cleaning and purifying apparatus (small electric appliance) using the plasma generator having the configuration of the plasma generators 1A to 1F.

As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the ceramic member is illustrated as the partition portion in which the gas passage is formed, but the material of the partition portion is not limited to the ceramic member. For example, using a suitable member such as a glass plate that separates gas and liquid, this member may be subjected to photoengraving and etching to form micropores having a pore diameter of about 1 μm to about 10 μm. It is possible. At this time, a plurality of gas passages may be provided.

In addition, the cleaning and purifying apparatus and the small-sized electric appliance are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, but, for example, an apparatus and the like for purifying water including cleaning and purifying apparatus for electric toothbrush and water purifier and detergent etc. It is possible to apply the invention.

In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the liquid storage unit, the gas storage unit, and other details can be appropriately changed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a plasma generation device capable of further enhancing safety, a cleaning and purification device using the plasma generation device, and a small-sized electric appliance.

Claims (9)

A liquid storage unit for containing a liquid containing water;
A gas storage unit for containing gas;
A gas flow path for guiding the gas in the gas storage portion to the liquid storage portion is formed, and a partition portion separating the liquid storage portion and the gas storage portion;
A first electrode disposed in the gas storage unit;
A second electrode spaced from the first electrode and disposed such that at least a portion on the side paired with the first electrode is in contact with the liquid in the liquid storage unit;
A gas supply unit for supplying a gas containing oxygen to the gas storage unit in a mode in which the gas of the gas storage unit is pressure-fed to the liquid storage unit via the gas passage;
In the state where the second electrode is grounded, a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate a discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode, whereby What is claimed is: 1. A plasma generating apparatus comprising: a plasma power supply unit configured to plasmatize a gas introduced into a gas storage unit. The plasma generator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the gas passages are formed in the partition wall portion. The plasma generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first electrode is disposed to be substantially equidistant to the plurality of gas passages. The plasma generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode is a single structure. 5. The plasma generator according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode which is the one structural body is disposed in close contact with the gas containing portion of the partition wall. The plasma generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first electrode is disposed on the central axis of the gas passage so as to face the gas passage. A cleaning and purifying apparatus comprising the plasma generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A small-sized appliance comprising the plasma generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A small-sized appliance comprising the cleaning and purifying apparatus according to claim 7.

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